Published: May. 13, 2024 at 12:59 PM AKDTFAIRBANKS, Alaska - Alaska senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, as well as Rep. Mary Peltola, have introduced new legislation directing a land exchange between the federal government and Chugach Alaska Corporation for the purpose of resolving conflict.
“The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill forever changed the lives of Alaskans, particularly those living in the Chugach region. Chugach’s subsurface rights were restricted and subjugated to the EVOS Program’s environmental conservation goals, which unfairly prevents Chugach from realizing the economic benefits of its mineral interests under ANCSA,” Senator Murkowski said.
“The Chugach Land Exchange Act should be no exception. This bill facilitates a land exchange for Chugach Alaska Corporation based on a congressionally-mandated study completed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service in late 2022. This legislation would provide Chugach with lands that will help create economic sustainability and cultural benefits for thousands of Alaska Native shareholders, as intended under ANCSA,” Sullivan continued.